Melissa Medina has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, operator, investor, as well as a community leader and philanthropist. A native to Miami, FL, Melissa is the Co-founder, CEO & President of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform that has led the transformation of Miami into a global technology hub. eMerge’s flagship event, launched in 2014, is a premier global tech conference and startup accelerator held annually at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With Melissa’s leadership, the eMerge Americas conference now attracts more than 20,000+ attendees from over 50 countries and over 5,000 companies. Additionally, the eMerge Global Accelerator has graduated over 1,000 early-stage companies that have raised over $2.5 billion and over 15 alumni companies have successfully exited to date.

In 2015 Melissa launched the Women, Innovation & Technology summit (WIT), which convenes top female leaders and entrepreneurs from across the globe to showcase how they are transforming industries through technology & innovation. Melissa is passionately committed to and has a strong track record in supporting women and minority founders and entrepreneurs.

Melissa is also a Partner at Medina Ventures, an early-stage venture fund, as well as the President of the Medina Family Foundation (MFF). As President of the foundation, Melissa dedicates her family’s resources towards supporting initiatives that focus on climate research, homelessness, mentoring children, and empowering families by enhancing the education system and quality of life. Currently, Melissa serves on the Board of Trustees of The Miami Foundation, as well as a member of the Leadership Council of the FIU Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication. As a mom of 5 children, Melissa is extremely passionate about empowering the next generation.

Melissa has received dozens of honors. She has been named multiple years, including in 2024, as one of the “Power Leaders in Technology” by the South Florida Business Journal. In 2023 she was honored with the 2023 annual “Woman of Distinction” award by Florida International University. Melissa has also been honored with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce “Difference Maker” HYPE Award and the “Pace-Setting Woman in Miami” by the State of Florida for her commitment to her city. Furthermore, the Junior League of Miami recognized Melissa as a “Woman Who Makes A Difference” as well as being named one of the six most influential women in philanthropy by Ocean Drive Magazine. Melissa was awarded the “2018 Community Catalyst” award by Catalyst Miami organization.